Tax-Aide to provide free services at Deep Run Rec Center through April 15

February 02 2015 - No appointments required or accepted; first-come, first-served basis only, Times vary, Free
Tax-Aide, a free tax service provided by the IRS and administered by AARP, will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays through April 15 at Deep Run Recreation Center, 9910 Ridgefield Pkwy. No appointments required or accepted; first-come, first-served basis only. Bring last year’s returns and all forms required for the current year. For details, call 888-227-7669 or visit http://www.aarp.org/taxaide

HATTheatre to present ‘The Whale’ Feb. 27 to March 8

February 27 2015 - Part of the Acts of Faith Festival, Times vary, $15 to $28
HATTheatre, 1124 Westbriar Dr., will present “The Whale” Feb. 27 to March 8. The play tells the story of Charlie, who, driven by grief to a state of morbid obesity, and with his health failing, makes one last desperate attempt to reconnect with his long estranged daughter. Part of the Acts of Faith Festival. A talkback discussion will follow the March 1 performance. Tickets are $15 to $28. For details, call 343-6364 or visit http://www.hattheatre.org

March 03 2015 - Learn where and how to start, soil preparation, plant selection and more, 10:30 a.m., $15
Lavender Fields Herb Farm, 11300 Winfrey Rd. in Glen Allen, will host a workshop on “Beginner’s Herb & Vegetable Gardening” from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn where and how to start, soil preparation, plant selection, ongoing care and some good gardening habits. Cost is $15. To register, visit http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com

On the Air Radio Players to present ‘Here Comes Mr. Jordon’ at CACGA March 3-4

March 03 2015 - Part of the Acts of Faith Festival, 7:30 p.m., Free
On the Air Radio Players will present “Here Comes Mr. Jordon” at 7:30 p.m. March 3-4 at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Rd. This live radio adaptation of the classic film “Here Comes Mr. Jordon” tells the story of a prematurely deceased boxer who gets another chance at life thanks to two helpful angels. Part of the Acts of Faith Festival. Admission is free and open to the public. For details, visit http://www.otarp.com

March 04 2015 - New album is titled 'Everything', 6 p.m.,
Local Christian contemporary artist Ken Van Cura will perform on March 4 at 6 p.m. at Discovery Methodist Church, 13000 Gayton Rd. Van Cura's new album "Everything" takes a look into the heart of a worship leader with stirring anthems of praise and worship and meaningful songs that express the cry of the heart of today's believer. For details, visit https://tatemusicgroup.com/epk/artist/31243

Chabad of Virginia to host ‘Purim Royale Casino and Game Night’

March 04 2015 - Megillah reading masquerade, a kids zone, hamentash baking, professional casino games and more, 6:30 p.m., $35 to $60
Chabad of Virginia, 212 Gaskins Rd., will host Purim Royale Casino and Game Night from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be Megillah reading masquerade, a kids zone, hamentash baking, Purim crafts and games, breakfast and professional casino games for the adults. Casino pricing is $35 per person or $60 per couple. For details, call 740-2000 or visit http://www.chabadofva.org

Community Author Showcase continues with Mary Rodwell at Tuckahoe Library

March 05 2015 - Children’s book is titled 'The Great I Am', 7 p.m., Free
The Henrico County Community Author Showcase, a program that connects writers and readers in the community, will begin at 7 p.m. and continue on Thursdays at various libraries. Mary Rodwell will share her children’s book “The Great I Am” at Tuckahoe Library, 1901 Starling Dr.
For details, visit http://www.henricolibrary.org/authors .

March 05 2015 - , 5:30 p.m., Free
VCU Medical Center will present the seminar “Weight Loss Surgery: Not Just for Obesity Anymore” at 5:30 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. Learn about the cutting-edge technologies and research that are transforming weight loss surgery, curing metabolic diseases and improving one’s overall health. The seminar is free and open to the public. Register online at http://www.vcuhealth.org/seminars

Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce to host ‘Business After Hours’

March 05 2015 - The Torque Club at Richmond International Raceway, 5:30 p.m., $15 to $40
The Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce will host Business After Hours, a casual after-work social featuring tabletop exhibits and refreshments, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Torque Club at Richmond International Raceway. Admission is $15 to $40. For details, call 783-9323.

Richmond Coin Club’s Coin and Currency Show planned May 1-3

May 01 2015 - Clarion Richmond Hotel, Times vary, Free
The Richmond Coin Club's Coin and Currency Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 1-2 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 at the Clarion Richmond Hotel, 3207 N. Boulevard. There will be over 50 tables of dealers buying, selling, and trading. Admission and parking are free. For details, visit http://www.richmondcoinclub.com

The Henrico Police Athletic League (PAL) held its Sixth Annual Awards Banquet Feb. 5 at The Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen, celebrating accomplishments of 2014 and recognizing outstanding contributions to the organization. Henrico County Juvenile Domestic Court Judge Denis Soden served as master of ceremonies and former Harlem Globetrotter Melvin Adams served as keynote speaker.

Among the 2014 honorees were Richmond International Raceway (Significant Supporter), Richmond Strikers Soccer Club (Significant Supporter), Henrico County Schools-Pupil Transportation (Summer Camp Supporter), Bruce Richardson, Jr. (Youth of the Year), Sandra Williams (Volunteer of the Year), Thomas Williams (Employee of the Year), Mikki Pleasants (Board Member of the Year), and Michelle Sheehan (Police Officer of the Year). > Read more.

The Fresh Start For Single Mothers and Their Children Community Outreach Project will host “Necessary Ingredients” on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., beginning Feb. 12 and continuing through May 7, at Velocity Church, 3300 Church Road in Henrico. Dinner and childcare will be provided free of charge.

The program is designed as a fun and uplifting event for single mothers that is designed to provide support, new friendships, encouragement and motivation. Each event will include weekly prizes and giveaways. > Read more.

Hundreds of 'tweens' and their moms will attend the Secret Keeper Girl Crazy Hair Tour at West End Assembly of God on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m., a popular Bible-based tour geared toward building and strengthening relationships between mothers and their daughters (typically ages 8 to 12).

The event will feature a full fashion show, oversized balloon sculptures and confetti cannons – all in the name of inner beauty, Biblical modesty and vibrant purity. > Read more.

It was another win for Willow Lawn when Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar opened there six months ago, nestled in the heart of the re-made shopping center. The contemporary American Italian restaurant boasts 13 locations up and down the East Coast, with the Henrico location opening in August.

In the same week, I hit up Travinia twice, once for lunch and once for a late dinner. At lunchtime on a weekday, I was overwhelmed by the smell of garlic and by the number of working professionals in nice suits on their lunch breaks. When we first walked in, I was concerned our meal would be a little too pricey based on the décor – it’s a really nice place. Luckily, the menu has a variety of options for every budget. > Read more.

There’s a ton of sugar in The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water. Literal sugar, as SpongeBob Squarepants (Tom Kenny) and Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) inhale their own weight in cotton candy and eat ice cream, one scoop per mouthful.

At one point we burrow into the brain of our boxy yellow hero and discover the inner workings of his brain: googly-eyed cakes and candies that giggle and sing. All of which is extremely appropriate for a film like Sponge Out of Water. Because not only is the movie sweet (the “awwww” kind of sweet), but it’s the equivalent of a 30-candy bar sugar rush, zipping between ideas like a sponge on rocket skates.

The story under all this is really not that complicated. SpongeBob flips burgers at the Krusty Krab. > Read more.

With this last round of snow still fresh on the ground, the best way to start the weekend may be at Southern Season for their weekly wine-tasting program, Fridays Uncorked. Families with cabin fever will enjoy the Richmond Kids Expo, taking place tomorrow at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Some date night options include the Rock & Roll Jubilee at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, HATTheatre’s production of “The Whale” and National Theatre Live’s “Treasure Island” at the University of Richmond. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.